F I F E
C O U N C I L
Environment and Development Committee
28th October 2002
Agenda Item No.
FINALISED FIFE MINERALS SUBJECT LOCAL PLAN
1.0
PURPOSE
1.1
The purpose of this report is to advise members of the objections received to the
Fife Minerals Subject Local Plan and of recommended responses and
consequent pre-inquiry modifications.
2.0
BACKGROUND
2.1
At its meeting on 15th April 2002, the Environment and Development Committee
agreed to the production of the Finalised Fife Minerals Subject Local Plan and to
invite objections. The 8 week period for objections to be lodged ended on 12 July
2002. A detailed report containing a schedule of objections, the recommended
responses, and a schedule of proposed modifications to the Finalised Local Plan
is available in the Members Lounge in Fife House.
3.0
DISCUSSION
3.1
In total, the Finalised Local Plan attracted 42 objections from 14 objectors.
Copies of all objections are available for public inspection at Planning and
Building Control Service offices including Fife House.
3.2
In order of occurrence, the most commonly raised issues were:
 levels of protection
 aggregates landbank
 transportation issues
 opencast coal: Areas of Search
 restoration and monitoring bonds
3.3
Indications are that the modifications will satisfy some of the objections and lead
to these objections being withdrawn. However, it is also likely that many of the
objections to the Finalised Local Plan will be maintained and together with any
that pre Inquiry Modifications might attract they will have to be considered at a
Public Inquiry early in 2003. A statutory notice advising of this will be published in
due course.
3.4
The objections have now been assessed, and a proposed response to each is
contained in the detailed report referred to above. In formulating a response,
members are advised that all responses will require to be presented to the Inquiry
Reporter appointed to hold the Public Local Inquiry. Objections may be heard at
Public Local Inquiry or dealt with by written representations at the objectors’
request. Of those objections to be heard at Public Local Inquiry, the response
given in the report will, if approved, form the basis of the Council's case to be
expanded upon at the Inquiry. The Council's response to written submissions will
also be expanded upon, and lodged with the Reporter for his/her consideration
prior to the Inquiry. All objectors will be notified in the interim of the Council's
position, as will Community organisations which may have an interest.
3.5
In some cases, it is proposed not to accept the terms of the objections. Several,
however, are regarded as supportable and can improve the Local Plan. In other
instances, further information on changed circumstances, such as the approval of
the replacement Fife Structure Plan, since the Plan was published in May 2002
warrant a different approach.
3.6
Many of the proposed modifications reflect consequential changes resulting from
the approval of the Fife Structure Plan 2002 by Scottish Ministers. However,
other issues addressed include:
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recognition of the distinctive nature of dimension stone quarrying.
amendment to the policy on Areas of Search for opencast coal to reflect the
possible occurrence of currently unknown shallow deposits, and to assist with
the implementation of the strategy of the Fife Structure Plan 2002 by
facilitating urban regeneration in mid Fife
more detailed advice from the Health and Safety Executive in terms of
pipeline consultation zones
clearer guidance on the boundaries of sites of importance in terms of the
natural and built heritage.
3.7
To ensure openness and public consultation, these proposed changes will
require to be publicly advertised as Pre-Inquiry modifications and will be subject
to a 6 week deposit period within which objections may be submitted. Any
objections to them, will then be presented to the Inquiry Reporter at the Public
Local Inquiry. Committee will then advised of the terms of any objections
received.
4.0
MEMBERS COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED PRE-INQUIRY
MODIFICATIONS
4.1
The proposed Pre-Inquiry modifications were submitted to the three Area
Development Committees in early/mid October this year. There were no
substantive issues raised and Members noted the content of the report.
5.0
RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1
It is recommended that members endorse the responses to objections and note
the requirements to proceed to public inquiry.
David Rae (DR/CR202002 CRDW12ED)
Head of Planning & Building Control
September 2002